National Repeal Day

National Repeal Day is celebrated every year on December 5, marking the historic end of Prohibition in the United States and reminding people how the repeal of the 18th Amendment restored the legal right to manufacture, transport and sell alcoholic beverages. The day highlights a turning point in American history when personal freedoms, economic activity and cultural life were significantly reshaped.

History of National Repeal Day

National Repeal Day commemorates December 5, 1933, the date when the 21st Amendment was ratified, officially ending the 13-year Prohibition era that had banned alcohol nationwide. Prohibition had been introduced in 1920 with the 18th Amendment, driven by temperance movements and social concerns.
Over time, however, Prohibition led to widespread illegal activity, underground bars, bootlegging and a decline in tax revenue. When the 21st Amendment passed, it became the first and only amendment to repeal another amendment — marking a major moment in U.S. constitutional history and public policy.

Why National Repeal Day is important

The day highlights the value of personal choice and the balance between regulation and individual freedoms. It reminds people of a time when banning alcohol caused unintended consequences, influencing how modern society approaches laws around controlled substances.
National Repeal Day also symbolizes economic renewal: after repeal, thousands of jobs returned, breweries reopened and legal trade revived. The observance encourages reflection on civic engagement, policymaking and cultural shifts.

• It marks a significant constitutional event in U.S. history.
• It highlights the importance of personal freedom and responsible choice.
• It recalls the economic recovery tied to post-Prohibition industries.
• It helps people understand the social effects of broad legal restrictions.
• It celebrates a historic moment still relevant to modern policy debates.

How to Celebrate National Repeal Day

Celebrate by learning about Prohibition history, visiting local bars or breweries, or raising a toast to the return of legal spirits — always responsibly. Many people enjoy classic cocktails from the era, explore mixology, or support local establishments connected to the history of American drinking culture.
Others celebrate in quieter ways: reading about the 1920s and 1930s, watching documentaries, or hosting themed gatherings that revisit the cocktail traditions that resurfaced after repeal.

• Enjoy a classic cocktail legally and responsibly.
• Visit a bar, brewery or distillery to support local businesses.
• Learn about Prohibition and the 21st Amendment.
• Host a 1920s-themed gathering with friends.
• Share Repeal Day history to inspire conversation about civic change.

National Repeal Day Dates Table